BEAR BAITING
Illegalized more than 100 years ago, this medieval sport still thrives in
some rural aread of Pakistan. A network of hunters, wildlife dealers,
gypsy bear owners keep the "sport" alive. They raise the Pit Bull Terriers
to fight, and then allow up to eight of them to attack a bear in a single
day. The most viscious dogs bring prestige and honor to their breeders,
trainers, and owners. The bears are put through great pain and rarely
survive a full day of this bloodsport.
The dogs are trained to fight against bears, whose teeth and claws have
been removed. Without their two natural means of defence, the bears
are helpless, and being tightly tethered, they are not even able to
run. Damage is done to the bears, both physically and emotionally. Even
before the fight, the process of removing teeth and claws causes pain and
fear.
Although it is illegal, stricter enforcement is desperately needed.
A long-running investigation by the World Society for the Protection
of Animals revealed that it still thrives in rural areas. In 1993, 80
different fights were located, causing distress and damage to 300 bears.
Contact:
Excellency Mian Riaz Samee
High Commissioner
Pakistan High Commission
35-36 Lowdnes Square
London SW1X9JN
Information courtesy of the World Society for the Protection of Animals